Emmerdale’s own Linda Lusardi, starring as the ‘deliciously wicked’ Abanazar in The Hawth’s Aladdin, speaks to us on playing against type, Cockney accents, and her plans to be treading the boards at 80.
What attracted you to the role of Abanazar?
I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to play Abanazar, particularly as I don’t think the role is very often played by a woman. She’s such a deliciously wicked character, and I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into her! Hopefully, I’m playing completely against type… although I’ll leave that for everyone else to decide!
What do you enjoy most about playing the villain rather than the hero?
I definitely find playing a villain more rewarding because you get to be larger than life, shout at the audience and generally cause as much trouble as possible! I love that freedom and the fact that you can really go for it – the bigger, the better!
Can audiences expect a classic Abanazar or are there a few surprises in store?
We have a very big musical number, which I can’t imagine many other Abanazars have done before. It’s certainly something a little different, and I’m really looking forward to performing it. But I don’t want to give too much away – you’ll just have to come and see it for yourselves!
Is there a role you’ve played that challenged you more than any other?
I think the most challenging role I’ve had on stage was, again, Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion. She had to speak with a standard English accent as well as Cockney, and strangely enough, the Cockney was the easy bit! I remember thinking, ‘I can do Cockney all day, but speaking properly is where I need the lessons!’
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your years in the entertainment industry?
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt from being in the entertainment industry is not to take yourself too seriously. I’ve also learnt that I can achieve far more by pushing myself outside my comfort zone. I’ve done things I never, ever imagined I’d be able to do, and that’s been one of the most rewarding parts of it all. You surprise yourself when you’re willing to have a go – even if you’re quietly thinking, ‘What on earth have I let myself in for?’!
Three words to describe this year’s Aladdin?
Magical, hilarious, spectacular.
Favourite pantomime catchphrase?
Oh, we’re on the boos again, are we? Well, make mine in a tonic!
And if you had three wishes, what would they be?
To always remember my lines, to always have a full house, and finally, to still be taking a bow when I’m 80 years old.
